Tōshō-gū in Ueno Park is the real deal – a shrine dating back to 1627
Tokyo is one of the world’s most phoenix-like cities. Whether shaken to the ground by earthquakes, reduced to ashes by fire or bombed to smithereens…
Made in Japan
Chingodō in Asakusa: a shrine dedicated to tanuki (racoon dogs)
Chingodō (鎮護堂) is a small Shinto shrine in Asakusa which is dedicated to the tanuki (狸), a small, furry animal that is a mainstay of Japanese…
Kotodama: the belief in the magic power of words
Kotodama (言霊) refers to the belief that words have mystical powers. It combines the word for ‘speech’ (言 koto) and the word for ‘soul’ (霊 tama). Kotodama presupposes that…
Taya Caves, an underground wonder of ancient Buddhist artistry near Kamakura
Taya Caves is a sacred gem of Buddhist carvings in the grounds of Josen-ji Temple near Kamakura. This maze of halls and galleries is decorated…
As hard times continue during the pandemic, mindfulness products may help provide relief
According to a survey released by the OECD, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, in May this year the proportion of people with depression…
These photos from Kyoto’s ‘Temple of Wind Chimes’ captures the magic of Japan’s summer
Located in a part of Kyoto known for matcha, Shōjuin Temple 正寿院 in Uji has been giving tourists a splendid view to enjoy their tea…
Miracle Cat Cookie Tin is an organic snack that helps animal welfare in Japan
Japan is the country for cat lovers. Here, it’s not hard to findclothing, household items, or food inspired by felines. As someone who’s a big…
A craft beer born from Tokyo’s centre of subculture, Shimokitazawa
Summer 2021 is already turning out to be a scorcher here in Japan. Of the few things that can offer respite from the turgid heat,…
Seasonal styles and sweets are in as gelato pique unveils “White Summer” products and more
gelato pique, a famous loungewear brand in Japan, is known for its comfy and cute pajamas and assorted maternity and household products. The brand maintains…
The hidden ability of rice: Global Product Planning’s rice products maintain beautiful skin
It’s common knowledge that rice is the staple food of Japan and much of the Asian world. Not only do most residents eat the grain…
Yokohama café’s summer latte impressively recreates Hawaii’s beautiful beach colors
Summers are meant to be spent surrounded by the sound of ocean waves and with your feet buried firmly in the sand. However, for those…
Solve the Pokémon Rubik’s cube by matching 52 Pokémon based on their types
Pokémon fans who also happen to be puzzle lovers are getting the best of both worlds with the release of a new Pokémon Rubik’s cube….
HYDE HEIANJINGU 20th Orchestra Special Concert to be held at the Heian Shrine in Kyoto
The Japanese musician, HYDE, who is also the lead vocalist of the famous rock band, L’Arc-en-Ciel will be having a concert at the Heian Shrine…
Extreme spice lovers get ready! Mita Seimenjo’s latest noodles are spiked with Trinidad Scorpion pepper
Summer is the season when all of the spicy things come out in Japan — you have seasonal spicy chicken nuggets and spicy potato chips,…
Kyoto now has its own lofi & hip hop video with a hunky ‘street god’ and recorded sounds from the city
During a time when a lot of us were kept indoors, one new thing we were tasked with was to find a way to entertain…